Based on what deputies found, meth is still being produced in outer East Portland, sometimes in a BIG way! Read this story and learn the details
They weren’t growing crops on this farm! The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office says evidence found inside the barn indicates a large-scale meth factory was in operation.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Out in this area of unincorporated area of outer southeast Multnomah County, things are pretty quiet. Usually, the only things stolen are lawn ornaments.
But after seeing their electric bill jump to over $300, an area resident in the 7600 block of SE 162nd Ave. questioned whether or not their electric power was being siphoned off.
In the process of investigation a “theft of service” claim on October 11, Multnomah County Sheriff’s deputies took down a huge methamphetamine lab.
A ‘look’ leads to a major bust
In an exclusive interview with East PDX News, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Lt. Jason Gates told us how this meth bust unfolded.
“At 1 PM on Wednesday, PGE notified our office they were going to check a property in the southeast corner of the county for power diversion, or electrical theft. Four MSCO detectives from our Special Investigation Unit detectives went with PGE officials to the site.”
Gates told us as detectives went on the property of the suspected power thieves; they met Shane Dupree Millim, who would later be taken into custody.
“Millim was cooperative, and gave us permission to search the property,” Gates related.
A shocking find
In addition to finding evidence of power theft, deputies were shocked to discover the largest suspected meth lab they say they’ve seen this year. They also found car body parts believed to be stolen from a Toyota 4-runner.
“We discovered chemical items, strong corrosives materials, flammable liquids and reactive solids generally associated to meth manufacturing,” Gates told us. “The indication is that this lab was producing meth using the standard pseudoephedrine reduction method.”
The precursors and the waste products indicate large-scale meth production, Gates stated. “There were enough materials to do multi-pound reactions. If they weren’t making large batches, the waste materials could have been collected from other, smaller labs.”
In addition, deputies also saw a set-up of laboratory-style glasswork typically used in meth production.
These signs were posted on the house and barn after the Haz-Mat team processed and cleaned up some of the chemicals found inside.
Deputies called in the Gresham/Multnomah County Haz-Mat team to assess the suspected lab, take samples for prosecution, and begin the cleanup process.
Lab busts down
“This is only the eighth lab we’ve closed this year,” Gates summarized. “This is significantly down from 2004 when we closed 60 labs.”
“Does this mean the meth problem is waning in outer East Portland?” we asked.
Gates responded, “The meth problem is alive and well, but we are having a positive impact regarding meth labs. What we face today is “super lab” meth coming in now. Most of it is from the Mexican cartels. They bring it here by the pound instead of the ounce.”
In addition to Millim, two other suspects–Patricia Ann Pyne and Billy Joe Allen–were arrested and released, pending a grand jury hearing.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
While she wouldn’t comment on police-related cases in the headlines, you’ll get to know Police Chief Rosie Sizer better from reading this article ‚Ķ
After her introduction by Ken Turner, Governmental Affairs chair for East Portland Chamber of Commerce, Portland Police Chief Rosie Sizer describes her long-term goals for the department.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Portland’s Chief of Police, Rosie Sizer, has been in the headlines because of high-profile cases and the Grand Jury investigations ‚Äì but most people know little about her.
At a recent East Portland Chamber of Commerce “Good Morning East Portland” networking meeting, Sizer revealed her background, goals and concerns about public safety in east Portland.
Second-generation cop
Sizer started by telling the group she’d never imagined that, one day, she’d be the Police Chief. “I’m honored to serve in this capacity. I’m a second-generation Portland Police Officer.”
Her father was a police officer for 32 years, retiring as a detective, Sizer continued. “My husband was a Portland Police officer for 29 years, retiring as a deputy chief, then going on to be Multnomah County Sheriff for eight years. I’ve been on the force for 22 years. I have a deep commitment to the officers and the work they do ‚Äì and to the community we all serve.”
Shocked at her appointment
Throughout her career, Sizer said she worked hard at being a good cop. “I’ve never aspired to be Chief of Police. When it happened, I’m sure you saw my face register a degree of shock on the news footage. But I can’t think of a job where I can have more important impact on the place where I live, than to serve in this capacity.”
Relationship-building and leadership development goals
She has two primary long-term goals for her leadership, she said. The first is deepening the relationship between the department and the community, in all of its manifestations. Secondly, creating leaders from within the organization is vitally important.
About relationship-building, Sizer said one of the nicest moments her life was huge turnout of people, from all walks of life, when she was sworn in as Police Chief. “I’ve tried to model relationship-building throughout my career ‚Äì neighborhoods, social services, friends and family. When we build relationships with the community, it helps us provide the most impact on crime we can, with the limited resources we have.”
Talking about developing her staff, Sizer said, “It is hard to be a police officer. We hire good people. We are very selective about hiring our people. Giving the trust the community gives us, it is very important that we hire good people, train them well, and have high expectations for them.
I want to help officers aspire to leadership positions, whatever they may be. It may be a promotion; it may be giving their best in terms of problem-solving efforts and creativity.
When she retires, Sizer said, “it will be these two things that matter most.”
East Portland crime: Meth and ID theft
Sizer was the SE Precinct Commander for about two years before being promoted to chief, she said. “Like in East Precinct, we had a burglary problem. In 2004 we busted over 100 meth labs across Portland. Last year we had fewer than 30.”
Sizer admitted that the methamphetamine supply has been taken over by the Mexican drug cartels. “There is a lot of meth out there. It has been imported from ‘super-labs’ in Mexico and California. Unfortunately there is still a lot of meth in the community that is fueling property crimes.”
The police chief quoted statistics about how the East Precinct Crime Reduction Unit has “cleaned up” outer East Portland. “They make large seizures and arrest many people. It’s had real impact as measured by crime statistics. Across east Portland, Part I crimes, which includes burglaries and other thefts, are down by almost 25%.”
One concern is, she added, is whether or not people are less inclined to report being a victim of crime. “It could be,” Sizer added with a twinkle in her eye, “everything of value in outer East Portland that could be stolen, has been stolen. Actually, these reduced crime numbers are a pretty good indicator of a successful trend.”
Identity theft is a major crime problem, Sizer told the group. “This often starts with a mail theft or a car prowl. Nowadays, it isn’t about stealing your car, but getting access to any ID that may be left in the car. At all costs, safeguard your identity. Keep careful track of your credit and other identifying information.”
Chief Sizer said the bureau has been taking upwards of 500 ID theft complaints a month. “We cannot, to be perfectly honest, begin to investigate all of these complaints. We do have two units here in the eastern precincts staffed with officers who are ferociously working to get ID thieves.”
Chief Sizer tells members of the East Portland Chamber of Commerce that low staffing levels are a real concern across the city.
Low staffing levels a concern
East PDX News asked if precincts in east Portland might see an increase in staffing.
“We are running shifts ‘thin’ throughout the city. This is largely due to officers retiring. About 25 years ago, we hired about 100 officers in a year. Now, they are retiring at the same rate. We’re having trouble keeping up in hiring. We’re trying to recruit. Know anyone? It is a good job.”
The number of officers on patrol, Sizer commented, is decided by using a “staffing formula for officer distribution. We’re pretty confident that it is an appropriate formula. But still, yes, we are very short of officers.”
Answering East Portland public safety questions
EPCC Marketing chair Dan LaGrande asked, “As business people, what can we do to support the police?”
Sizer replied, “On the individual level, really work to reduce the chance you’ll become a victim; a statistic. There are people who can help you by doing a security survey of both your premises and business practices to make sure you’re not vulnerable. There has been a real problem with ‘creepers’ who sneak in when you’re not looking and steal your checks or ID information. Also, you can partner with like-minded people and establish a network in which you can share information.”
In a political sense, Sizer added, it helps when citizens publicly support law enforcement and public safety. “It can be difficult to be in public safety these days. If you, as business people, can lend your support, it really helps. Please find your voice.”
EPCC Member Roy Stanfel asked if “catch and release” of criminals is frustrating.
Sizer replied, “It is very frustrating. It can be demoralizing. Our officers really believe in what they do. But, when they spend blood, sweat, and tears catching a criminal, who is then are released very quickly or not held at all, it is a disincentive.”
She said that officers on patrol help reduce crime. “Most criminals are not ‘long-term thinkers’. They’re not thinking, ‘If I get arrested, I’ll have to do 10 years. And what will I do when I get out?’ One car prowler told us he had a policy to quit and go home if he even just saw an patrol car.”
Portland City Commissioner Dan Saltzman on October 18
Want to learn more about your city, and network with East Portland business people at the same time?
Attend the next “Good Morning East Portland” on October 18 and meet Commissioner Dan Saltzman. The networking starts at 7:30 a.m. at the meeting room in the main building at Cherrywood Village, 1417 SE 107th Ave., behind Adventist Medical Center. The meeting is free.
To learn more, see www.eastportlandchamber.com
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000
if you help police find his killer …
Police say this man, 57-year-old Ronald Lee McClanahan, was murdered in his home on SE 141st Ave. Can you help find his killer?
By David F. Ashton
Police say an otherwise nice Sunday, September 24, was the last day on earth for a Southeast Portland man.
East Precinct officers discovered the body of 57-year-old Ronald Lee McClanahan inside his residence at 3515 SE 141st Ave just before 8:00 p.m.
Police say McClanahan died from blunt force trauma and his death. Their ruling: homicide.
We don’t know much about McClanahan. He was said to frequented taverns and convenience stores within walking distance to his home, befriending many people he met along the way. Sometimes, he invited them back to his home.
Detectives need help in locating anyone who knew McClanahan or saw him prior to his death.
Burn a murderer, get a grand
Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony, and you remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP (4357).
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Careless drivers do more than wreck vehicles. Look what happened when a reportedly-speeding truck blows a red light and nearly kills the driver and passenger of a van …
Witnesses say a large truck hit the Qwest van so hard, it skidded over 100 feet before stopping at the curb.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
“I was waiting to cross the street,” Sammy Harris told us, “and the driver of the big truck over didn’t even slow down for the red light. He slammed into the van so hard, the ladder and pieces flew off everywhere.”
The accident at SE 72nd Ave at Duke St. was more than a fender-bender. “This could have been a fatal accident,” reported the traffic officer on duty.
On October 4, about 2:00 p.m., a truck, reportedly owned by Metro Interiors, was going southbound on 72nd Ave. Witnesses said the big hauling truck was going fast — really fast — before it blew through a red traffic signal light at SE Duke St.
Sadly, that intersection wasn’t empty.
Unfortunately for the driver and passenger of a van, operated by Qwest Communications, they were – at that moment – eastbound on SE Duke St., through a green light.
Rescue workers had to use the “Jaws of Life” to remove the driver.
The Qwest van was struck on the driver’s side with a shuttering blow. The impact was so severe, the Qwest truck skids sideways, south from the point of impact, well over 100 feet according to our unofficial measurement.
Within minutes, Portland Fire & Rescue crews were on scene, using the Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life) to extricate the driver of the Qwest truck.
Another vehicle, a white Pontiac hatchback, was facing north, stopped on SE 72nd Ave at the red light at Duke. The big truck tore off the front, passenger side quarter-panel of the vehicle.
The driver of this vehicle says she’s lucky to walk away, or even be alive, after the two wrecked trucks skidded in her direction.
“It happened so quickly,” the shaken hatchback driver told us. “It’s like the big truck and the Qwest van split; they slid by both sides of me.”
The driver, who asked not to be identified, said she wasn’t injured. “I got out of my car and went over to the truck that got hit. I saw the woman in the Qwest truck. She didn’t look so good. I feel so bad for her and hope she’s OK.”
The impact of this large truck on both the Qwest van, curb and shrubs looks like it pushed the front axel backward two feet.
The driver of the big truck was cited for “Failure to obey a Traffic Control Device.” New privacy laws affecting hospitals prevent our learning the condition of the victims in this crash.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Firefighter’s fast response ‚Äì and solid construction ‚Äì keeps new condos at NE 84th Ave. and Russell from burning up in a fiery ball of death ‚Ķ
By the time we arrived, minutes after it was reported, Portland Fire & Rescue Engine 12, with assistance from the crew from Station 2, start to clean up their gear.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Crews from Portland Fire & Rescue race into action when a multi-family dwelling catches on fire. They know a small fire can quickly turn into a major conflagration – especially when it is fueled by burning vehicle parked in a garage below the living area.
When the call came in about 5:30 p.m. on September 29, crews from three fire stations raced to newly-constructed, occupied condominiums located east of Nelson’s Nautilus at NE 84th Ave. and Russell St.
The owner of the garage to the right of the burned unit belongs to Pat Tilman, who was home at the time of the blaze, and said the fire could have been worse.
His building on fire
Pat Tilman owns a condo unit, next to the unit where the fire was reported. “I heard someone yelling that there was a fire,” he told us as we stood in the alley behind the beige siding-clad, two-story building.
“I heard fire engines coming. I came outside and realized the fire was in my building. Before I got to the back of my unit, the firefighters were already putting out the fire in the garage next to mine, and starting to chop my garage door open. I told them I could save them time by opening it for them.”
The fire was out; firefighters were clearing everything out of the burned unit next to Tilman’s. “It could have been worse,” he mused.
Firewalls save homes, lives
“We have a rows of condominiums joined together,” is how Portland Fire & Rescue Battalion Commander Dave Disciascio described the situation.
A fire bureau investigator looks over the burned car that was suspected to be the cause of the blaze.
“On the bottom floor, along the alley, we have single car garages. These garages are built with one-hour firewalls. This was a real good thing.”
Although fire investigators have yet to release a report, Disciascio told us it looked as if a car in one of those garages ‚Äì the one next to Tilman’s unit ‚Äì started on fire. “It pretty much burned up the car. But, the fire didn’t extend because of the firewall.”
Had it not been for the one-hour rated firewall, the battalion chief said, the fire would have been a tragedy, instead of an inconvenience.
Apartment and condo units built some years ago weren’t required to line the walls of their garages or parking spaces with firewalls. “If this fire, fueled by a burning car, would have started in an old building, we’d still be fighting it, and the blaze would be awfully spectacular, and perhaps deadly. This fire is inconvenient ‚Äì it could have been tragic.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
They weren’t bustin’ broncos at the East Portland Community Center; see how this course could keep youngsters from being busted up ‚Äì or worse ‚Ķ
Although off duty, Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer was on hand to welcome parents and kids to the first-ever ‘bike rodeo’.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
If only one child is saved from being injured or killed by the lessons they learned at the first-ever “Bicycle Rodeo”, the hosts and sponsors say the event was worth the effort.
“We at East Portland Community Center,” Portland Police Bureau Chief Rosie Sizer tells us, “are helping kids learn and practice safe biking skills.”
Checking kids into the rodeo are members of the Lloyd Lions Club. “Our clubs are committed to helping youth and youth activities,” says president David Bolton with a smile.
Cory Tipton of Shiloh Cyclery safety checks the bike Chris Powers brought to the event for his son Alex to ride.
Event provides good reinforcement
At the event, kids navigate around the skills course of tightly-spaced safety cones to sharpen their balance and braking ability. They also ride, with a Portland Police Bike Officer at their side, within a miniature chalk-drawn city, complete with stop signs and hazards.
“We all like to ride bikes a lot,” is what David Wilson tells us, as his son Brendon is riding the course. “Where we live, about the only place we can ride is on the street. I really want him to be safe, be skilled, and know the laws. We’ve done our best to teach him well, but this is good reinforcement from what he’s learned from us.”
Portland Police Bike Officer Heath Kula guides Brendon Wilson around the Bike Rodeo course, offering teaching and providing praise for a job well done.
“It is also important for youngsters to learn and know the rules of the road, traffic control signs and signals. I can’t think of a more tragic situation than for a careful motorist to hit a kid who puts himself in danger by not following these rules.”
Trauma nurses talk tough
Part of the Bike Rodeo was a table at which trauma nurses gave age-appropriate – yet startling – examples of why bike helmets save lives.
Providence Hospital trauma nurse, Dominique Clayton helps mom Julie Jacobs make sure her son, “JJ” has a bike helmet that fits properly. “If it wiggles, it is too loose.”
“You have to get the whole community involved,” says Providence Hospital trauma nurse, Dominique Clayton. “I’ve seen it for myself. Bike helmets save brains. Adults, parents and older kids need to be good role models by wearing bike helmets. When the younger kids see this, it becomes ‘cool’ for them to follow the rules and wear a helmet.”
The Bike Rodeo wasn’t all “schooling”. Participants were treated to ice cream, a hot dog lunch, and a backpack filled with back-to-school items.
“We are fortunate to have partners that believe in this project as much as we do,” says Chief Sizer. “This event was made possible with the support of the Portland Police Foundation, Bike Gallery, East Portland Community Center, Franz Bakery, Fred Meyer Stores, Ice Cream Express, Lloyd Lions Club, Shiloh Cyclery, Trauma Nurses Talk Tough, and Zenner’s Quality Meats.”
After getting up his confidence, and learning new skills, Brendon Wilson takes another ride around the Bike Rodeo course.
Looking to the future, Chief Sizer says to look for more Bike Rodeos. “This was a big success. We’re already planning for our events next year.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
After nearly 7 hours, police patience pays off, as Washington County SERT officers take an armed outer East Portland man into custody …
For several hours, traffic on outer SE Foster Rd. came to a standstill, while police formulated a plan to take an armed man into custody.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
A resident in an adult foster care home on SE 128th Ave, a block south of Foster Road, was having a very bad day on September 20, according to his caregiver.
That was when a 60-year-old resident, said to have mental health issues, allegedly pointed a gun at his caregiver. She quickly escaped, called police, and slipped out of a window to make her escape. Other residents and workers at the home were also safely evacuated.
“The call about the initial confrontation was called in at 11:50 a.m.,” is what Det. Paul Dolbey told us on scene.
Nearby, Gilbert Park Elementary and Alice Ott Middle School were put into “lockdown”. Traffic on outer SE Foster Road came to a standstill.
From a block away, neighbors could hear police officers “loud-hailing” the man, asking him to pick up the telephone, answer the cell-phone delivered to him, or just come to the door.
The troubled man was refusing to cooperate.
With Portland’s SERT unavailable, the team from Washington County drove deep into outer East Portland to assist with this standoff situation.
Because the Portland Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) officers were in training, the Washington Count SERT responded to the call. And, because East Precinct Commander Michael Crebs was out of town, SE Precinct Commander Derrick Foxworth took charge of the situation.
“In a situation like this, time is on our side,” explains Det. Dolbey. “We can take all the time we need to exhaust all of our communication efforts, and to carefully plan an entry if necessary.”
When school let out, only the students living north of Foster Rd. were allowed to walk home. Those living within the police-taped area to the south were held in a safe area until a parent could pick them up.
Rosanne Jackmond, waiting to return to her home in the cordoned-off area with her daughter Jasmine, spent hours in the Dairy Queen parking lot at the corner of SE 128th Ave and Foster Rd. “I’d rather be here ‚Äì and safe,” she explained. “We’re warm and dry in the SUV.”
Over the PA system, we heard a Washington County negotiator, and even a friend of the man who was holed-up inside the home, calmly asking him to give up and come out.
Late in the day, a loud bang rang out. “The bang was a ‘less lethal’ round the SERT team fired earlier to break out a window,” Darbey informed us, “to give them better visual access into the home.”
Able to walk to the police car under his own power, the man who caused the day-long standoff appears to be uninjured.
In custody
About 6:30 p.m., the SERT team rushed into the home. They challenged him; we’re told he did have a weapon. He gave up, was handcuffed, and was taken into custody.
“No one was injured,” Dolbey confirms. “We’ve had a successful and safe ending to a six-and-a-half hour standoff. Washington SERT and negotiation teams deserve credit. They did a great service for us here, today.”
Although Dolbey confirmed the man was armed when the SERT made entry, he said he didn’t know if criminal charges would be filed.
Riding in the back seat of this police car, the subject of the day-long standoff is taken to a nearby hospital for mental and physical evaluation.
“It is always a good day,” Dolbey concluded, “when everyone leaves the scene, uninjured.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
The fourth “Shop with a Cop” in East Portland event was led by Portland’s best known ex-officer, and Woodstock resident, Mayor Tom Potter. See what happens when he is joined by 50 cops from all over town
Portland firefighter Ed Hall was on hand to help with the rescue effort after the World Trade twin towers fell in New York City. See why he was honored in Pioneer Square five years later …
Before taking his place on the stage at the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Ed Hall took a moment to reflect on how his experiences have helped him better train our firefighters here in Portland.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On the morning of September 11th five years ago, 25-year veteran Ed Hall, firefighter assigned to Truck 2 at Portland Fire & Rescue’s training station, got a call from co-worker Dwight Englert asking Hall to work a shift for him so he could travel to New York City and help at the World Trade Center.
Instead of working Englert’s shift, Hall said he, too, wanted to be part of the rescue effort, and the two agreed to meet at PDX. At the airport, the pair met two additional Portland firefighters on their way to New York. The four were on the first plane allowed to fly.
“We didn’t know what to expect, or how we would help,” Hall said. “We offered to do what we could.” While the local public safety workers first looked askance at the Portland foursome, they soon appreciated the hard work and professionalism they brought to the effort.
Representatives from Portland Fire & Rescue stations around Portland gathered with other public safety workers and nearly 500 citizens on September 11, 2006 to remember those who died in the attack on the World Trade Center towers, and thank those who helped in the rescue efforts
Five years later
Mayor Tom Potter asked Portland Fire & Rescue to help organize a remembrance ceremony on September 11th; Hall was asked to join dignitaries on the stage set up at Pioneer Courthouse Square.
Before he took his place on stage, he told us his story. “Looking back, it’s tough to put it into words. It is an event that will be part of our national psyche for a long time. There are different ways of looking at it. I prefer to look at it as what ‘went right’ as we helped out at this tragic event.”
Training to be the best
Hall says he believes Portland firefighters are some of the best-trained in the country. And, his experience in New York has helped him keep in mind what is important when he trains new firefighters coming to the bureau.
“When I talked to survivors, firefighters, and police officers at the World Trade Center, I heard the same thing. It was that public safety workers were so well-trained that they could act independently that really counted. They were able to refocus, and redirect their energies on the spot. When the towers collapsed, the chain of command was broken. But, these people thought quickly, and were able to make initial rescues.”
Hall said a firefighter’s probationary period lasts for a year. Ten months of that is intense training.
“We teach them how to perform many tasks, use a wide variety of equipment, and how to work as a team. But more than that, they learn how think actively and work safely. Ultimately, when people can put all of their knowledge and skill together in an unexpected circumstance, they really shine.”
When you see Portland firefighters at work, now you know that they are better-trained than ever, thanks to the experience Ed Hall gained as a 25-year veteran here, as well as his experiences on a fateful day in New York City.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Those wanting to go to the Airport Costco store on September 11th had to find another route; NE 139th Ave. was blocked for most of the day. See our exclusive photos …
Workers from Union Pacific look at the brand new truck, lying on its side, just outside Altec, at NE 140th Ave. and Sandy Blvd.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Witnesses at the scene said it looked as if the driver was trying to beat a freight train across the tracks at NE 140th Ave. and Sandy Blvd., into the parking lot at Altec, but if he was, he didn’t make it.
Others guessed the driver might have been blinded by the rising sun as he looked eastward, and so didn’t see the westbound freight barreling toward him.
“We don’t know exactly how it happened,” Cpt. Mike Brouillette from Portland Fire and Rescue told us, on Monday, September 11th, “but what we had here is a brand-new truck being delivered to Altec. It came off of Sandy Boulevard, and went north over a private railroad crossing. The engine of a Union Pacific freight train tagged the back end of the truck. The truck twisted around and went over.”
As the truck came to rest, it broke the utility pole behind it. You can see the pole hanging at an angle behind the wrecked rig.
The driver was transported to Portland Adventist Hospital. “He had no real obvious injuries. The driver was standing up inside the cab when we got to him,” said Brouillette.
There were no reports of injuries to the crew of the Union Pacific freight train. But you can see the damage on the far, front corner of the engine.
By the time the freight train came to a stop, it had traveled west of NE 122nd Avenue. The accident is still under investigation, but no citations had been issued as of the posting of this report.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Read, and learn about ordinary citizens who are taking a “bite out of crime” along the streets where they live ‚Ķ and why you should join them ‚Ķ
Block captains from the Madison South neighborhood — Geneva McArtor, Pal Mermwore, Paul Barton, Lisa and Frank Walsh — are joined by Lents neighborhood block captains John and Judy Welch (partially hidden by the arm of BOEC’s Laura Wolf), as they tour the Bureau of Emergency Communications, also known as the “9-1-1 Center”.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
Most people agree that “community policing” is a good idea ‚Äì but few really understand the meaning of the term.
From the perspective of the Portland Police Bureau, it means interfacing closely with neighbors and businesses to help reduce crime, and the fear of crime.
“The other part of ‘community policing’ is us, the community,” is how volunteer Dave Smith, Coordinator, East Precinct Block Captain Program, put it to us.
“Part of making the streets on which we live safer is taking personal responsibility,” Smith continued. “The ‘Block Captain’ program trains ordinary people to help reduce crime directly in our neighborhoods.”
Being a Block Captain doesn’t mean one turns into a neighborhood spy or snitch, Smith told us. “We’re just ordinary citizens who are willing to ‘look out’ for our block and our part of our neighborhood. We simply are looking to prevent crime problems before they get a foothold.”
Not a “Trunk stocker”
Smith, a kindly-looking man with a quick smile, told us he didn’t set out to become the Block Captain Program Coordinator. After he retired, Smith said he asked to become part of the volunteer group who restock supplies in the trunks of East Portland officer’s patrol cars. “Commander Greg Hendricks said that if I wanted to volunteer for something, he had another job for me. They gave me a desk, even though I’m not a police officer, and put me to work.”
Specifically, Smith acts as the go-between for Block Captains and the Portland Police Bureau. Part of his volunteer position is the training of potential Block Captains. Also, he coordinates and hosts bimonthly meetings for East Precinct Block Captains.
Block Captain coordinator Dave Smith (second from left) listens to BOEC’s Laura Wolf as she explains the organization’s role in public safety.
Captains tour 9-1-1 Center
Some of the monthly meetings are field trips, at which the Block Captains are exposed to the inner workings of the public safety system.
At the last meeting a group of Block Captains visited the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC), also known as the 9-1-1 Center in Lents.
The tour was led by Laura Wolf, public communications coordinator for BOEC. Wolf first gave the group an overview of BOEC’s mission and policies. A tour of the call center floor followed. Block Captains witnessed, first-hand, call takers receiving calls of all kinds–and saw how the dispatchers, on the other side of the large room, quickly sent police, fire or medical personnel to deal with those emergent situations.
Behind locked doors
BOEC is a high-security facility. We asked Wolf why these neighbors were granted a tour. “It is important to get the message out about what we do,” she said, “and how they are trained. Not only can the Block Captains pass the information on to their neighbors, they help the community be better prepared for an emergency.”
The concept Wolf stressed is to know the difference between emergency and non-emergency situations. “911 should only be used to report a fire, stop a crime, or save a life. There is a limited number of 911 trunk lines and operators. If you’re using 911 inappropriately, someone with a true emergency will have to wait on line ‚Äì it may cost a life.”
After the meeting, some of the Block Captains shared what they had learned with us.
John Welch from Lents told us, he enjoyed seeing how the call center works. “The tools they have are fantastic. At the same time you’re calling in, they are already sending the information to dispatchers by computers.”
Donna Dionne, an outer East Portland resident and president of the Midway Business Association, said she thought it was interesting to see how operators dispatched the calls. “I can see why one should call only in case of an emergency. Non-emergency calls bog down the system, and it could cost a life.”
Smith said this field trip, and his other programs, give Block Captains information they otherwise wouldn’t get. “Our meeting here at the 911 center helps them understand the issues involved with the 911 dispatchers. There seems to be some negative press when there is a misunderstanding or perceived rudeness by a communicator. But seeing the environment, the pressure, you can’t help but know our emergency communicators are working to make the community better.”
Next Meeting: Don’t be an ID theft victim
You don’t have to be a Block Captain to attend Smith’s meetings. The September session will be “Identity Theft: What it is, and how to avoid becoming a victim”.
“Identity theft has become the crime-of-choice for meth addicts,” Smith explained. “This crime can cause enormous financial distress for its victims. East Precinct Officer Barbara Glass is an expert in the area of identity theft. She will explain how this crime is committed, and also offer advice on how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.”
Block Captain Meeting is Wednesday September 27, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the East Precinct Community Room at 737 SE 106th Ave.
When we asked what message he’d like to convey to East Portland residents, Smith replied, “Get personally involved in public safety. Help reduce crime, and the fear of crime ‚Äì right where you live”.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
Police say the homeowner was defending herself when attacked by a bungling burglar …
By the time we arrived on scene, investigators had cordoned off the scene; journalists were lined up trying to get more information on this unusual case.
Story and photo by David F. Ashton
On September 6, a few minutes before 7 p.m., officers were called to do a “premises check” ‚Äì seeing if everything is OK ‚Äì in the 7900 block of SE Alder St.
When the arrived, the cops found the body of 59-year-old Edward Dalton Haffey inside the home. They called in detectives from the Homicide Division to investigate.
Detectives say that the 51-year-old homeowner, nurse Susan Kuhnhausen, returned home from work and found an intruder inside her home. A violent struggle ensued resulting in the death of the intruder, and non-life-threatening injuries to Kuhnhausen. Kuhnhausen ran to a neighbor’s home and called police. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.
A day later, the Multnomah County Medical Examiner performed an autopsy on Haffey. The result: not death from the blows of a hammer, as some media had been reporting, but death by strangulation. The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.
Officer Catherine Kent told us that detectives have determined that Kuhnhausen killed Haffey in self-defense. Investigators now believe that Haffey was in the process of burglarizing the home when Kuhnhausen came home. Detectives did find property of the victim’s stacked up inside the home.
Detectives do not believe this case will be presented to a Grand Jury; however, investigators and the District Attorney assigned to this investigation are still in the process of reviewing the case. A final determination will probably be made early next week.
The victim has not made herself available to the media and the 9-1-1 tape will not be available until the final disposition has been reached.
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Steve Ober (503) 823-4033 or Detective Rich Austria (503) 823-0449.
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
